Inner peace is much easier to define than to obtain. It is the absence of stress and anxiety, with being fully present in the now, not the past or the future. While inner peace may be difficult to obtain, there are ways to obtain a state of serenity. Here are four ways to obtain inner peace:
1. Exercise
As mentioned, inner peace is the absence of stress and anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise in almost any form can act as a destresser. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries by:
- increasing your endorphins
- acting as meditation in motion
- improving your mood
Exercise is one of the best ways to change your mental state to positivity. You don’t have to run a marathon to reap the benefits of physical activity! Any movement will provide you with a greater sense of peace.
This can include practicing yoga and the breathing techniques that accompany the poses, going for a walk and appreciating the smell of the flowers and the hum of insects and birds, or the waves crashing on the sand at the beach.
2. Setting Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries help take care of ourselves whether it’s physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually. Healthy boundaries help us maintain a positive sense of self, trusting who we are and not allowing others to define us.
Psychology Today explains that we have loosely defined or have unhealthy boundaries because we want to be accommodating, helpful, cannot say no out of guilt, and want to be liked by everyone around us. When we take steps to identify our desires, whether it be in our job, a romantic relationship, internally, or socially, and put our values first, we are that much closer to our inner peace.
3. Socialize and Connect with Others
A Harvard study by Dr. Robert Waldinger suggests that “meaningful relationships are a prescription for better emotional, mental and physical health.”
There have been over eight decades of research among 700 men who were teenagers in the 1930s (and over 60 men who are still participating in their 90s), which shows that:
- social connections appear to be good for the health
- loneliness can become toxic as you get older
- relationship quality seems to matter for a quality life
- good relationships appear to protect our brains
There are several ways to strengthen the connection to others, such as making new friends (by volunteering or joining a club) and working to improve existing relationships with family and friends.
4. Journal
Daily writing can help organize and process your thoughts, clearing your mind and facilitating problem-solving. Journaling can act as an emotional release or escape and help you obtain clarity and rid you of negative thoughts.
Establishing inner peace can also have a positive ripple effect, spreading peace to others. We are kind, generous, patient, and compassionate when acting from a place of serenity. We are less quick to judge and take offense.
We find joy in connecting with others; in turn, others act similarly. When we find inner peace, we help contribute to a better world!
If you are looking to find out more ways on reaching an inner peace, Modern Wellness Counseling is the best place to start. We have licensed therapists who provide excellent online counseling in Texas. Be sure to give us a call at 210-706-0392 or you can conveniently schedule online.
References
“Exercise and Stress: Get Moving to Manage Stress.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Aug. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469.
“Setting Boundaries Efficiently.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 11 June 2021, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happy-healthy-relationships/202106/setting-boundaries-efficiently?amp.
Mineo, Liz. “Over Nearly 80 Years, Harvard Study Has Been Showing How to Live a Healthy and Happy Life.” Harvard Gazette, Harvard Gazette, 26 Nov. 2018, https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/.
